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Boston Celtics: Jaylen Brown needs to step up to make a deep playoff run

By Joseph McNeil

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 11: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics is guarded by Jeff Green #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of a game at TD Garden on February 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 11: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics is guarded by Jeff Green #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of a game at TD Garden on February 11, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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If the Boston Celtics are going to make a deep run in the playoffs, they’re going to need Jaylen Brown to step up and assume a bigger role

Marcus Smart has been great for the Boston Celtics this season. Although the team struggled with inconsistency, Smart’s defense and grit were constants throughout the year.

Unfortunately for Boston, Smart was injured in their second-to-last regular season game, and will most likely miss the first two rounds of the NBA Playoffs.

This injury is going to create a major void for Boston. Smart’s experience, hustle, and defense were extremely valuable to the Celtics this season. However, the Celtics do have a player who can patch that void!

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Jaylen Brown had a breakout season last year. He was a starter the entire year, and helped them make a deep playoff run. His defense and shooting is just as good as Smart’s, and he is an even better slasher.

Brown was a starter for Boston for the first part of the year, but was benched for Smart because he was having trouble gelling with the rest of the starters on offense. Now that Smart is injured, Coach Brad Stevens will most likely re-insert Jaylen Brown into the starting lineup.

Asides from attacking closeouts, being good in transition, and making open threes, Jaylen Brown isn’t going to be asked to do that much on offense. Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, and Al Horford are going to carry the offensive load for Boston. As long as he knows his role offensively (which has been the case for most of the season), Brown should be fine.

Defensively is where Jaylen Brown needs to step up. Marcus Smart has been the Celtics’ best defender this season, and was one of the main reasons that they are a great defensive team. Brown’s potential on defense is through the roof. He is tall, athletic, and knows what he is doing on that side of the ball.

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Jaylen Brown HAS to step up and show how good he is on defense! Smart was often tasked with guarding the other team’s best offensive perimeter player. Now that he is injured, that role will go to Brown. If he steps up and proves to the league how good he is, then the Celtics are poised for a deep playoff run.

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